MPs Will Vote On Northern Ireland Deal, Suggests Sunak

Keir Starmer at PMQs yesterday accuses the PM of 'pulling the wool over the eyes' of Tory Brexiteers.

- Adam Forrest

Rishi Sunak appeared to confirm that MPs will be given a vote on any post-Brexit deal he settles with the EU to end the long-running dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol.

Challenged by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs yesterday to reveal whether a vote would be held, the prime minister said: “Of course, parliament will express its view.”

Sir Keir also accused Mr Sunak of “pulling the wool over the eyes” of Tory Brexiteers by refusing to say a deal would leave some EU law in place in Northern Ireland – along with a role for European judges.

Urging the Tory leader to come clean with his party’s hardliners, the Labour leader said: “The unreconcilables on his benches are going to twig, and they’re going to come after him.

“The former trade minister said there can be no role for the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Northern Ireland. Will the prime minister be honest with them and tell them that’s not going to happen?”

Mr Sunak refused to say whether the deal would maintain a role for the ECJ. He accused Sir Keir of “jumping ahead”, and said he would be “resolute in fighting for what is best for Northern Ireland”.

Taunting the Labour leader, the PM added: “It’s his usual position, give the EU a blank cheque and agree to anything. It’s not a strategy, it’s surrender.”